Should Celiac Disease Patients Be Concerned About Their Bone Health?
According to experts, nearly two million Americans live with Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is a chronic illness that affects both the immune and gastrointestinal systems. This disease progressively damages the small intestines by consuming gluten-containing goods. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
Celiac Disease’s Impact on Nutrition
One of the main complications with Celiac Disease is malnutrition. Malnutrition is when the body does not absorb vitamins, minerals, or nutrients that your body needs to be in perfect health. Two integral nutrients, calcium and vitamin D, are often deficient in patients with celiac disease.
These two nutrients are severely important to bone health. Calcium is important for forming and maintaining strong bones. It also plays a vital role in the healing process of a broken bone. Vitamin D increases the body’s absorption of calcium from the intestines. Both work together to build, strengthen, and rehabilitate bones. If both of these nutrients are not present because of the patient having Celiac Disease, the patient is at a higher risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Nutrient Deficiency’s Impact on Bone Health
Osteoporosis is a disease that is classified as severe bone loss that weakens the bones and leads to potential fractures. Osteopenia is a less severe form of bone loss but is often a precursor for an osteoporosis diagnosis. There is one common way to diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia which is through a mineral bone density test. The most common form of mineral bone density test is a DEXA Scan.
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scan is a bone density study that determines whether the patient’s bones are low in mass. This scan uses low-dose X-rays to scan the hips and spine. By using this test, people have been able to identify their lack of bone mass and maintain or improve their bone density with treatments.
A DEXA Bone Densitometry Scan goes fast and requires no proper preparation. This scan allows you to stay in your personal clothing to ensure your comfort during the test. The test is painless and you will be able to resume regular activities following the exam.
Where Can You Get a DEXA Scan?
Imaging Healthcare Specialist is a leader in diagnostic imaging services. IHS is determined to provide revolutionary care with state-of-the-art technology to the San Diego area. Patients diagnosed with Celiac Disease and who show low Vitamin D or Calcium levels should consider getting a DEXA scan. We offer DEXA Bone Densitometry scans at our Encinitas, Kearny Mesa, Chula Vista, and Washington locations of Imaging Healthcare Specialists.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Imaging Healthcare Specialists.